Introduction
Nestled along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coastline, Antalya serves as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, captivating visitors with its perfect blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and modern attractions. This vibrant coastal paradise, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and well-preserved old town, attracts millions of tourists each year seeking both relaxation and adventure. While many travelers are content to enjoy Antalya’s beautiful beaches and historic sites, the surrounding region offers a wealth of extraordinary excursions that showcase Turkey’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From ancient ruins to natural wonders, these carefully curated day trips allow visitors to experience the authentic charm and varied attractions that make this corner of Turkey truly special.
Popular Excursions in Antalya
Perge, Aspendos and Side Tour
History enthusiasts shouldn’t miss this comprehensive excursion that explores three of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites in a single day. The journey begins with a visit to the ancient city of Perge, once the capital of Pamphylia, where visitors can walk along the remarkably preserved colonnaded streets, marvel at the impressive stadium, Roman baths, and the agora (marketplace) while learning about the city’s 3,000-year history. The tour continues to Aspendos, home to what is widely considered the best-preserved Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, this magnificent structure could seat 15,000 spectators and still hosts concerts and performances today thanks to its remarkable acoustics and intact stage building. The final stop is the charming coastal town of Side, where ancient ruins blend seamlessly with a modern resort atmosphere. Here, visitors explore the impressive Temple of Apollo, situated dramatically on the peninsula with stunning sea views, along with the well-preserved theater and agora. Many tours include a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant between sites, offering authentic local cuisine. This excursion provides a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich historical heritage and the advanced engineering capabilities of ancient civilizations.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Day Trip
One of the most popular excursions from Antalya takes visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pamukkale, known for its extraordinary white travertine terraces that cascade down the hillside like a frozen waterfall. This full-day journey begins with an early morning departure from Antalya, traveling through the scenic Turkish countryside. Upon arrival at Pamukkale, visitors have the unique opportunity to walk barefoot on the terraces, feeling the warm, mineral-rich waters that have created this natural wonder over thousands of years. The brilliant white calcium deposits contrast dramatically with the bright blue water, creating a surreal landscape that seems almost otherworldly. The excursion also includes exploration of the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a thermal spa in the 2nd century BC. Highlights include the remarkably preserved Roman theater, the extensive necropolis (city of the dead) with its fascinating tombs, and the Antique Pool where visitors can swim among ancient Roman columns submerged in the warm, mineral-rich waters. Many tours include a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, offering traditional Turkish dishes. Despite the long travel time from Antalya (approximately 3 hours each way), the unique beauty of Pamukkale and the historical significance of Hierapolis make this excursion well worth the journey for those seeking to experience one of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders.
Köprülü Canyon Rafting Adventure
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Köprülü Canyon National Park offers one of Turkey’s premier white-water rafting experiences. Located about an hour’s drive from Antalya, this spectacular canyon is home to the emerald-green waters of the Köprüçay River, which cuts through dramatic limestone cliffs creating perfect conditions for an exciting rafting adventure. The excursion begins with a safety briefing and equipment distribution before participants board the rafts with experienced guides. The journey down the river includes navigating through rapids ranging from easy to moderately challenging, making this activity suitable for beginners and families. Between the adrenaline rushes, there are opportunities to swim in calm sections of the river and marvel at the canyon’s towering walls and lush vegetation. Most tours include a traditional Turkish lunch served riverside at a local restaurant specializing in fresh trout. The combination of beautiful natural surroundings and exciting adventure makes this one of Antalya’s most popular excursions for active travelers. Many tour operators also offer package options that combine rafting with other activities such as zipline adventures, buggy safaris, or canyon hiking, allowing visitors to create a full day of outdoor adventure in this spectacular natural setting.
Demre, Myra and Kekova Island Cruise
This comprehensive excursion explores the ancient Lycian civilization and early Christian heritage of Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The journey begins with an early morning departure from Antalya, traveling west along the scenic coastal road to Demre, the ancient city of Myra. Here, visitors explore the impressive rock-cut Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs and the well-preserved Roman theater. The tour continues to the Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), where the famous saint served as bishop in the 4th century. After lunch, the excursion includes a boat trip to the partially submerged ancient city of Kekova, where earthquakes caused parts of the Lycian settlement to sink beneath the crystal-clear waters. From the boat, visitors can see the underwater ruins and the picturesque village of Kaleköy with its Byzantine castle. Many tours include swimming stops in secluded bays before beginning the return journey to Antalya. This full-day excursion offers a perfect blend of archaeological exploration, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion for those interested in Turkey’s rich historical heritage. The combination of land and sea travel provides varied perspectives on the coastal landscape and allows visitors to access remote sites that would be difficult to reach independently.
Duden Waterfalls and Antalya City Tour
For travelers seeking to combine natural beauty with urban exploration, this half-day excursion offers the perfect introduction to Antalya and its immediate surroundings. The tour begins with a visit to the Upper Duden Waterfall, located 15 km northeast of the city, where the Duden River creates a picturesque cascade surrounded by a lush park that provides welcome shade during hot summer months. The journey continues to the more dramatic Lower Duden Waterfall, where the river plunges 40 meters directly into the Mediterranean Sea from the top of Antalya’s cliffs, creating a spectacular sight best viewed from a boat tour or the adjacent viewing platform. After experiencing these natural wonders, the excursion continues with a guided walking tour of Antalya’s charming old town, Kaleiçi, with its narrow winding streets, historic Ottoman houses, and ancient Roman harbor. Highlights include Hadrian’s Gate, a remarkably preserved triumphal arch built in 130 AD to commemorate the emperor’s visit, the fluted minaret (Yivli Minare), and the ancient harbor with its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Many tours include free time for shopping in the old bazaar or enjoying Turkish coffee at a traditional café. This excursion is particularly popular with first-time visitors to Antalya City Tour as it provides an excellent overview of the city’s main attractions and can be completed in half a day, leaving time for beach relaxation or other activities.
Summary
Antalya’s strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the diverse attractions of Turkey’s Mediterranean region. From the ancient theaters of Aspendos and Perge to the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Köprülü Canyon, these extraordinary excursions offer experiences that go far beyond the typical beach holiday. The region’s unique combination of historical treasures, natural beauty, and adventure opportunities ensures that visitors of all ages and interests can find excursions that create lasting memories. By venturing beyond Antalya’s immediate surroundings, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re seeking historical insights, natural wonders, adventure, or cultural immersion, these carefully curated excursions showcase the best of what Turkey has to offer, transforming a simple beach vacation into an unforgettable journey of discovery and exploration. Please check www.tourmoni.com for more information.
